I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. Philemon 14 NIV
One of the most frequently asked questions this Bible teacher hears is why, if God knew we were going to sin, did God allow us to make choices which lead to sin? Why didn't He "program" us us to obey Him; force us to love Him?
May I ask you a personal question? Do you believe in "shotgun" weddings? That is where the father of the bride stands next to the groom with a loaded shotgun, just in case the groom tries to back out. If you were the wife-to-be, would you feel loved by your new spouse? Of course not. We love to be loved. We like it when people choose us. God does too! He wants to know that you chose Him above anything else?
Paul had some clout among the church. As the leading evangelist of the day, he had garnered the respect of the elders and members of the first century church. Philemon, a newer convert, but one who was growing in the Lord, would have easily obeyed Paul. He would have returned Onesimus just because Paul asked him to. Paul, however, want Philemon's obedience out of love.
Why do you obey God? Why do you attend church regularly? Why do you serve in preschool when they call? Why do you sing in the choir, attend the church bake sale, volunteer at the church bazzar? Is it because you feel guilty if you don't, or because you love the Lord you are serving? Do you serve out of fear, or out of respect?
Believe me, God can make you serve. He can arrange your schedule so you will have time for Him. The God who created the Heavens and the earth doesn't need your help. He is quiet sufficient on His own. He does, however, want you to join Him in His work so that 1)He can enjoy your company, and 2)so you can learn to appreciate His strength and power.
Serve God today because of the love He gives to you!
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